Chapter 64
Chapter 64
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 64
Chapter Title: Even Pirates Have Their Uses (1)
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Doing a good job comes with rewards—that's just the way of the world.
And so, for my great contributions to implementing the Bangwon Law, Yi Bang-won showered me with tremendous prizes.
"It's great that they gave me a house, but why did it have to be this one? If they were going to give me one anyway, somewhere else would have been nice."
My grumbling was like receiving a luxury Gangnam apartment—no, a grand mansion in Seongbuk-dong—and still whining for something better.
I had no leg to stand on, even if I rolled out the straw mat for a beating...
But once people learned the name of this house's previous owner, they'd understand my complaints.
The former master of this place was none other than Ryu Jeong-hyeon, the usurious moneylender who had haunted Goryeo like a ghost.
Getting the house was great, but... why did it leave such a bad taste?
If Ryu Jeong-hyeon's ghost showed up, I might pretend to go mad like Jeong Chang-son and petition to fire cannons for an exorcism.
As I wandered through the house inspecting every corner, Kim Man-deok approached me.
"What a vast, magnificent home—like the back of a whale. It suits a future Chief State Councillor like you perfectly, my lord. Gyeol will love it too."
"It'll be decades before I become Chief State Councillor, if ever. Strictly speaking, there's no guarantee I'll even rise to a senior post."
Kim Man-deok blinked at me in surprise.
His eyes were protesting—what kind of nonsense is that?
But positions like Chief State Councillor or senior official weren't handed out just for talent.
Besides, he'd noticed my speech was different from usual, so he kept tilting his head.
"I'm content just to uphold the ancestral rites and help Your Highness care for the poor, hungry people."
"Of course you are."
Kim Man-deok chuckled softly at that.
"But why did you summon this humble servant to this empty house? And why the sudden formal speech? It's awkward, my lord."
Yi Bang-won had bestowed massive rewards upon me.
Officially, he'd granted me Ryu Jeong-hyeon's entire house, and through the Internal Inspectorate, he'd lavished me with laundered land deeds, silk, rice, and more.
While I was resting, the court had been abuzz over the decision to give me Ryu Jeong-hyeon's house.
Especially the stickler for principle Heo Jo, who objected that even for Kim Dae-bung's great merits, the reward was excessive... and ended up locked in the Office of Inspectorate's jail.
He was released the next morning without any torture, but it was quite the comical incident.
However, the greatest reward Yi Bang-won gave me this time wasn't Ryu Jeong-hyeon's grand Seoul mansion or the material wealth like land and silk.
"Father-in-law."
Kim Man-deok's face froze at the title.
Formal speech was awkward enough, but full honorifics must have made him think disaster had struck.
Well, something had indeed happened.
But it was pure, 100% good news—nothing to worry about, just joy.
"Congratulations."
"Don't tell me Gyeol is with child, my lord?"
"We've been trying hard lately, but no luck yet. Don't get ahead of yourself."
"Understood. But why the sudden honorifics and formal speech? It's burdensome. Please stop."
In truth, ever since taking Gyeol as a concubine, I'd wanted to call Kim Man-deok "father-in-law" in private and speak formally.
But that was 21st-century common sense. In status-conscious Joseon, it would make him deeply uncomfortable—like a division commander grabbing a private's hand and saying, "How are you, Private So-and-so?"
"I asked you to come in your finest robe and hat today, and you did—I'm glad."
"My lord, what on earth is going on with you?"
Kim Man-deok was genuinely distressed by the discomfort.
That's why I'd never used formal speech with him before.
But from now on, things would change completely.
"Kim Man-deok, one of Hanyang Market's Ten Seats, receive this royal edict."
At "royal edict," Kim Man-deok looked baffled and froze in place.
A royal command for a lowly merchant in Hanyang?
Not panicking would have been the real surprise.
In front of the dazed Kim Man-deok, I unrolled the silk scroll of the edict.
Thinking back, Yi Bang-won and King Sejong the Great's thoughtfulness ran deep.
Normally, such edicts were delivered via a herald.
But since I had no post, they'd temporarily appointed me as herald to deliver it myself—padding my resume with another military role.
The moment he saw me unroll it, Kim Man-deok prostrated himself and bowed.
"Kim Man-deok, one of Hanyang Market's Ten Seats, assisted Secret Royal Inspector Kim Dae-bung in exposing Yi Seok-do's crime of false accusation against military valor, colluding with temples. He also strove to ensure offices purchased tribute goods at fair prices. Admirable. Thus, with Kim Dae-bung's inspection of eleven counties, taxes were collected and spent properly—his merit is immense."
Even alone, I would have quickly uncovered the scheme in Anseong involving the temple monks, the magistrate, and the clerks.
But pinpointing exactly how much they'd skimmed would have been tough without help.
I wasn't a merchant; I didn't know their tricks.
Nor could I have detailed their methods and solutions in detailed reports.
So, at least 10%—generously 15%—of my achievements were thanks to Kim Man-deok.
That's why I reported his contributions fully in my reports, without hiding a thing.
Tears streamed from Kim Man-deok's eyes.
He bit his lip hard, suppressing his emotions.
Wealthy as he was, the lifelong scorn as "mere merchant" must have melted away.
"Moreover, the state now seeks to establish markets in every county nationwide, greatly promoting commerce to benefit the people. Court officials disdain trade as lowly and know nothing of it. Since Joseon's founding, talented lowborn have been gladly employed for the good of state and people. Thus, though a merchant, loyal Kim Man-deok—who aided the realm—shall be employed to broadly benefit Joseon."
Stunned and moved by "employed," Kim Man-deok began sobbing aloud.
This was Yi Bang-won and King Sejong's encouraging preface—the real heart of it.
"By this edict, Kim Man-deok is appointed Deputy Director of the Ministry of Finance's Equal Taxation Office. Honghui 1st Year, 11th Month, 4th Day."
By the time I finished reading, Kim Man-deok was wailing, bowing desperately.
"Your Highness's grace is boundless."
Tears poured from his eyes; snot flowed like water.
That's why I delivered it here, just us two.
A huge family milestone, but bawling in front of his daughter? Awkward forever.
So, vent here, wash up, don official robes, and proudly show off to Gyeol and others—my consideration.
"A post for a wretch like me? A commoner becoming yangban... Is this a dream? A fantasy?"
"Congratulations, father-in-law."
"I thought I'd just trade my whole life. I ran hard to be the best merchant. Now, serving the ancestral rites and state to honor my house..."
Choking me in a fierce hug, Kim Man-deok burst into fresh sobs.
"How can I repay this grace? Your kindness? Not even in death."
"Speak freely, father-in-law. His Highness's grace is vast. I merely helped you shine."
"......Son-in-law."
Kim Man-deok becoming a true yangban didn't make Gyeol principal wife.
Strictly, calling him father-in-law bent etiquette.
But life's not all rigid rules. People need flexibility.
"Stay here a moment; I have a gift."
I fetched a pre-prepared box from the room.
Black lacquered, obviously expensive.
Kim Man-deok carefully opened it.
"......A danryeong. Green danryeong, son-in-law...?"
His speech still felt awkward. It'll smooth out in time.
At least he called me son-in-law now.
"My gift to you, father-in-law. Wash your face and try it on."
Kim Man-deok hurriedly donned the green danryeong and official hat.
He looked every bit the proper official, a yangban.
"It suits you. How does it feel?"
"......I can't believe it. Can't believe it. Am I dreaming?"
"A dream? You're the Deputy Director starting at the Ministry tomorrow."
"Ha, haha. Duty. Duty."
"I'll head home soon, so go boast to Gyeol first. Mule and servants are ready outside."
That night, the sobs of father-in-law and Gyeol leaked from her room, carrying over the walls.
After a sweet month's vacation wrapping up move-in and household chores before resuming duty... the court was in uproar.
Japanese pirates had appeared out of nowhere in the dead of night.